beer?

The most important thing first. :-)

Positive Effects:

Moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, and strokes. Moderate consumption is defined as one to two drinks for men and one drink for women, with one drink containing 17.6 ml of pure alcohol. Translated to a beer with 5% alcohol content, this would be equivalent to 0.35 ml, which is roughly a small glass of beer equal to "1 drink."

Negative Effects:

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged. This can be caused by ethanol and its metabolites.

Historical examples like the "Munich Beer Heart" and the "Tübingen Wine Heart" are cited as cases of alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also raise blood pressure and weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and heart failure.

Nice to know

Beer is a fascinating beverage deeply rooted in the history of humanity. It was brewed as early as 7,000 years ago in what is now Iran and was a staple in ancient Egypt. During the Middle Ages, monasteries in Europe became centers of brewing expertise. Beer holds different meanings in various cultures. In Germany, it's an integral part of social life, while in Belgium, a multitude of beer varieties each have their own traditions and histories. In the United States, the craft beer phenomenon has led to a resurgence of beer culture.

The production of beer is a complex process that touches upon various scientific disciplines. The ingredients are essentially simple: water, malt, hops, and yeast. However, fermentation, where yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, is a biochemical process that must be carefully controlled. Whether as part of a ritual, a beverage of enjoyment, or an object of scientific research, beer has many facets waiting to be discovered. Cheers! 🍻

Sources

Studie: "Alcoholic cardiomyopathy" von Prof. Dr. B. Maisch 2016

Accosite Press: World’s oldest known beer factory may have been unearthed in Egypt. 2021